Hi there,
We've got quite similar temps according to the first post. I also grow my serissas inside with lots of sunlight. They are in a corner with windows in both directions and the corner is pointing to the south.
1. I've always waited about two weeks after purchase (until it has sprouted some new leaves) before I've pruned my serissas.
2. I can't answer this one, because I really don't know the case. It may be holding the tree in the pot or it may just be a wire to bend that root.
3. Look at the text before no.1. Got it?
4. You can put your tree on a humidity tray, or just about any tray that can hold water. Just make sure your tree doesn't get 'wet feet' by standing the pot in water. The roots will die if they get no air. Put the tree on a couple of small stones, for example.
5. I have no idea. Serissas should bloom 10 months of the year from January to November, but my serissas have never bloomed either. Maybe it's because I use to pinch back the new growth and flowers should appear in the ends of the twigs.
6. a) If there aren't too many of them, just pinch'em off and forget it. If there are, then ... Ask Dr.Bonsai!
b) Hmm. Black leaves = bad lighting conditions. Maybe they were there in the shop or what?
c) What's that? Tear-torn-torn. Torn leaves? You've torn them off, right?
d) You probably just cut them away. Never done this part.
7. Go ahead! It was (more than 90% possibility) probably trained by letting the tree (or shrub to be exact) grow in the ground and then trunk chopped to achieve a broom style bonsai. But beware of the mighty smell! There are rumors telling about people that died when they were pruning a serissa; they had fainted and hurt themselves.
8. Oops, no such question..
Hope this helps!
Zeb